Education is central to sustainable development and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To live sustainably, people must learn the necessary tools, skills, values, and dispositions to build and maintain a sustainable society. UNESCO defines Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as integrating key sustainability issues into teaching and learning, covering sustainable lifestyle practices, human rights, gender equality, peace, global citizenship, and cultural diversity. ESD promotes transformative, participatory teaching methods that empower learners to change their behaviors and take action for sustainable development. It fosters competencies like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and collaborative decision-making.

Cities, as major centers of thought and action, can use Education for Sustainable Development to achieve the 17 SDGs and make communities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Education and lifelong learning are vital in urban settings like Chiang Mai to create a society based on social justice, ecological resilience, economic productivity, political participation, and cultural vibrancy.

Sustainable living is a significant educational challenge. Some cities set examples for citizens to follow, while others offer programs for engagement and education. Chiang Mai aims to create a virtuous cycle where educated citizens advocate for sustainable development, fostering widespread change and impacting urban life positively. A crucial starting point is educating young people about sustainability and healthy, sustainable lifestyles, integrating this education into school curriculums.

Human physical health is crucial for the overall wellbeing and sustainability of Chiang Mai. It not only impacts individual quality of life but also influences healthcare costs, economic productivity, and community resilience. Promoting a culture of physical health can lead to stronger immune systems, improved mental wellbeing, and reduced healthcare expenses.

Physical health is influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, lifestyle choices, and genetic predispositions. Cultivating a culture that values physical activity and healthy living from childhood can have long-lasting benefits, fostering habits that promote overall wellness and resilience. For that, Chiang Mai offers a range of outdoor activity options, such as hiking, bicycling, roller skating, and others that encourage physical activity among residents. However, challenges such as poor air quality and inadequate nutrition pose significant threats to public health.

To improve physical health outcomes, addressing agricultural burning practices, enhancing access to non-chemically treated food options, and promoting regular exercise and outdoor activities with adequate green space is demonstrate the interconnectedness of the different sustainability dimensions. By prioritizing physical health initiatives, Chiang Mai can position itself as a regional leader in promoting healthy living and sustainable tourism.

Mental health serves as a critical indicator of Chiang Mai’s societal wellbeing, reflecting the quality of relationships, social environments, and overall community cohesion. Good mental health fosters harmonious relationships, ethical behavior, and a sense of purpose, contributing to individual and collective happiness and success.

Chiang Mai faces various challenges related to mental health, including low levels of education and income, domestic violence, depression, addiction, and suicide. These issues, exacerbated by factors like rising costs and unemployment, contribute to unstable mental health and negatively impact individuals and families.

Positive role models within the community play a vital role in guiding and nurturing younger generations toward healthy and successful lives. By promoting social and cultural inclusion and fostering strong community bonds, Chiang Mai can create a supportive environment that enhances mental wellbeing and resilience. A clean environment and community inclusive economic development carries significant weight in maintaining mental health. Promoting ethical behavior, providing resources for mental health education, and strengthening support systems are essential steps toward a sustainable and resilient society.

The prevalence of industrial agriculture practices, characterized by the use of carcinogenic chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, poses significant risks to public health and the environment. These chemicals not only contaminate local water sources and ecosystems but also contribute to long-term health issues such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease among the population.

Supporting organic farming and encouraging farmers to transition to organic, natural farming practices is essential for promoting food safety in Chiang Mai. By reducing reliance on harmful chemicals and adopting sustainable farming methods, farmers can produce safer food for consumption. Clear labeling and certification of organic produce are crucial to building trust among consumers and ensuring the availability of safe food options in local markets and supermarkets.

Food safety is a critical aspect of Chiang Mai’s sustainability as it directly impacts the health and well-being of its residents. Access to clean, nutritious organic food free from harmful chemicals is essential for maintaining a healthy population and reducing the risk of illnesses.